Ruddock demands professional approach

Wales coach Mike Ruddock has called on his players to maintain their ''professional attitude'' as they try to avoid a potential RBS 6 Nations Championship banana skin.

England's RBS 6 Nations conquerors head for Rome this weekend and an appointment with Italy at Stadio Flaminio.

Wales came horribly unstuck against the same opponents on the same ground two years ago, losing 30-22, and Ruddock is well aware history cannot be allowed to repeat itself.

''They beat us two years ago, and we will need to continue with a professional attitude to the match if we are to ensure that does not happen again,'' he said.

''The Italians probably put in the best performance of the (Six Nations) first round to take Ireland all the way, and they will have targeted our match as one they believe they can win.

''We know what we have to do, and we will be looking to play the exciting brand of rugby that we all know we are capable of - and begin to string some wins together on the back of a very satisfying victory over England."

The only change in Wales' match-day 22 to face Italy is an enforced one on the bench, where Newport Gwent Dragons forward Ian Gough replaces injured Neath-Swansea Ospreys number eight Ryan Jones.

Gough, who won the last of his 21 caps against Romania in August, 2003, will cover second row, and can realistically expect to make an appearance, especially as lock Brent Cockbain picked up a slight knock during the England game.

Ireland Women's skipper Niamh Briggs is still relishing her role as skipper in this year's Women's Six Nations, and insists the new blood brought in for the Championship has given her team a new lease of life.